Many years ago, I started a traditional mystery quilt project led by Bonnie Hunter. Bonnie is known for her scrap quilts, many of which are intricately pieced with numerous prints. This one was titled, Roll, Roll Cotton Boll. I followed each instruction as she provided it, making just enough units so that I knew how the finished quilt would turn out. I loved it! Then I got sidetracked by other projects, and the unfinished quilt top was on hold for years. Finally, because I still loved it, I determined that I would finish it, and I did. I machined quilted it on my longarm machine and it became a beautiful King-sized bed quilt. Many of the units were made using strips of fabrics. When preparing to make the quilt, I cut way too many strips, and ended up with a basket full of leftover strips, as well as some extra pieced units.
When it was decided that we would do a quilt based on facial structure, I was in the process of putting together some extra blocks that I had accumulated.
Since I had the basket of strips, I thought I would play with creating a portrait using only the leftover strips! As I added each strip, I thought of it as a brushstroke of paint.
It was a fun challenge to build the structure of the neck, head and features using just straight lengths of fabric. Once she was developed, I added her into the background of pieced blocks, and played some more.
The completed quilt is hand and machine pieced, and hand appliqued, and hand and machine quilted.
After carefully quilting ‘in the ditch’ around the pieced traditional blocks and the main features of the portrait, I let loose, and did a wild, random squiggle stitching design on the neck and face.
I quilted a few curls on some of her hair just for fun. The entire piece became a study in contrasts. Color, value, large and small, old and new, careful and chaotic, traditional and modern.
l still have a basket of leftover strips and a few blocks.
Strokes
40 by 37″
Yay! I would be disappointed if yours was not the most “face-y” of all the “face” quilts. You rang the bell!
The strips have turned into a cute face. Miracle!
Thank you, Micky. I had to stop refining while she still looked a bit abstract.
What a beautiful combination of traditional blocks and a happy face.
Thanks, Elfriede. I think I should display her in the bedroom with the traditional quilt, except it could be frightening to see her face in the night!!
Absolutely delightful! Love your process details. Where is the hand quilting?
Hi Rose. Thank you! I did some hand quilting on the bigger pieces in the background blocks.
It’s amazing what you can do with strips! She really glows, well done!
Thanks, Regina. I regret not coming up with a better hairstyle. Next time!
I love it. I have made a face like that – postcard size, but I really need to make one bigger. You did a great job with shading the face and using the blocks for the background.
Go for it!! Thank you, Shasta.
Another fabulous portrait!
Thanks Deb. She will grab attention one way or another!
I have waited for some time to meet this young lady – and she is wonderful! Loving the playful structure you developed for her face – it speaks of confidence, joy and yes, hope. Treasure, love that she is speaking from a traditional background!
Thank you, Bethany. It was fun to merge the two techniques.
That was fun to see your process. She is delightful, lots of personality.
An important ingredient!!!
Such a great story and love seeing the development of each stage. I have done art dolls for years and so your faces are intriguing to me.
I’ll always remember you telling me that my faces don’t ‘bother’ you! Glad to know this!
Great portrait. You have such a talent for creating faces
Thanks much, Lisa. I enjoy working at it.
Thank you for sharingcthe process, really liked it!
I’ve made it a habit to take photos as I go. Glad you enjoyed the process.